News & Events

PA Food Innovation Network hosts Fall Conference and Showcase

The PA Food Innovation Network will host its Fall 2011 Conference and Showcase on Friday, November 4, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Inn at Reading, 1040 Park Road, in Wyomissing.

'Food and beverage manufacturers of every size and product line want more innovation in their products, processes, packages and marketing efforts,” explains Susan Mayer, Director of the PA Food Innovation Network. “This conference will provide the information and regional resources they need to innovate.”

Designed for technical leaders and owners of a food-related business, the conference will help attendees learn how technology advances in ingredients, products, packaging, production, or marketing could increase volume and profits. This conference and showcase will also answer questions about tech transfer and how to partner with universities and research institutions. Attendees will learn how tech transfer benefits short-term challenges, as well as long-term market break-through products.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Marv Rudolph, Director of Food Science at MooBella, an innovator behind many brand name products. During his 35-year career, Rudolph has been associated with some of the country's leading corporations, including Pepsico, Colombo Yogurt, and Kellogg's, and is an innovator behind products including Slim Fast® meal replacement beverages and nutrition bars, Ragu® pasta sauces, Adolph's® meat tenderizers and marinades, and the popular candy, Pop Rocks®. Rudolph, who earned both his Ph.D. and B.S. in Physical Chemistry from Drexel University, holds nine U.S. patents for methods, ingredients, and technologies he developed for the food industry. He has written numerous articles, many focusing on nutrition and the use of healthy ingredients in food product development. He is also the author of Pop Rocks, The Inside Story of American's Revolutionary Candy.

The conference will also feature a panel discussion of industry, academic, and government experts answering questions on tech transfer, a showcase of university and research institutions and service providers, and a preview of the Food Industry Tech Transfer Roadmap based on the PA Food Innovation Network grant funded by the PA Dept of Economic Development and the Berks County Industrial Development Authority.

Conference registration includes continental breakfast, coffee break, and a buffet lunch. The cost is free to the first 75 to register. Subsequent attendees will pay $25 to cover meals and materials. For more information or to register online, visit the web site: http://www.bk.psu.edu/CE/FINconference.htm.

This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

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